A simple, yet profound, use of technology – Literacy Bridge

December 2009
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The Literacy Bridge is a perfect example of one of the ways we have use technology to improve someone’s standard of living. This device is so simple but the results it fosters are profound.

The device is called a talking book and requires no reading abilities to use it. Additionally, it’s small enough to fit in the hands of a child & durable enough to be used in many places in many environments. They’re being distributed by NGOs who preload the devices with audio programs about farming techniques, health & sanitation practices and other information that is relevant to the lives of those that receive the devices. Additionally, audio programs can be transferred from one device to another just by connecting them with the attached cord, allowing a transfer of knowledge. Listening to books read aloud helps both parents and children develop their literacy skills. People can also record their own audio, which many are using to share their own stories.

Basically this is the coolest device ever.

These photos are from a village in Ving Ving, Ghana. Having received the literacy device which had best practices for farming, they cultivated half of their field using their past practices and the other half using the strategies learned from literacy bridge.

Here is a photo of the crops cultivated in the traditional way:

And here’s a photo of the crops using the new techniques:

These results are just phenomenal and astounding. An increase of crops means more food, a stronger livelihood and a higher standard of living. Absolutely beautiful.

It’s the very end of the week & the very end of the semester. This afternoon I present one half of an 8 minute presentation then I can BREATHE again. My brain is completely empty & depleted of any resources to form intelligent thoughts or sentences [which accounts for this post being less than understandable perhaps].

We have a group paper due a week from now, but it won’t be difficult and besides that I will be doooooone. Glorious.

This shirt is hilarious & I want it.
The 44 presidents, as cats: